Announcing the launch of PPG Marketing on Demand

PPG announced it has partnered with BrandMuscle, a leading provider of Web-based local marketing automation software, to introduce PPG Marketing on Demand, a suite of online tools and services to help distributors and collision repair facilities produce customized marketing and advertising materials. PPG Marketing on Demand is available to all PPG distributors and collision repair centers in North America.

The new system provides a resource distributors and body shops can access to easily develop a variety of promotional pieces to support their local businesses. At the PPG Marketing on Demand website, registered users can create professional-quality, online business pages and display ads, websites, email campaigns, print ads, brochures, door and mirror hangers, and more with just a few clicks of the mouse.

“We are passionate about helping our distributors and collision repair centers grow their businesses,” said Cristina Fronzaglia, manager, marketing communications, automotive refinish. “Our goal is to help our customers gain a competitive edge with their online and offline marketing programs. By teaming up with BrandMuscle, we’re able to assist our customers in executing the types of marketing programs that are often only available to larger organizations.”

PPG is also providing distributors and collision centers with direct access to marketing professionals and media specialists who can assist with tasks as complicated as creating a marketing plan or as simple as negotiating the best rate for a local display ad. This time-saving service allows business owners to focus on their business operations.

In addition, PPG has secured discounted rates to offer low-cost, professional quality production of printed materials. Materials created using PPG Marketing on Demand can be seamlessly routed to a print vendor for production with a two- or three-day turnaround on most orders.

PPG Expands PaintManager Compatibility for Collision Center Paint Operation Management and Efficiency

PPG Industries has given its PaintManager software and Paint Shop Interface Program, also known as Repair Order Costing (ROCO), greater capability by integrating with even more body shop management systems (BSMS). Most collision centers will now be able to integrate the BSMS they already have in place with PPG’s PaintManager software to enhance shop efficiency, productivity, and profitability. Only PPG offers this broad compatibility and integration potential.

When PPG looked at how to help collision shops track paint costs more easily, it decided to build an open interface that would work with any BSMS. This approach allows shops to use the management system they prefer, while still getting the advantages of integrating repair order data from the system into PPG PaintManager and actual mix costs from PaintManager to the management system.

PaintManager is PPG’s software application that manages the color formulation and mixing operation in the collision center. It also monitors and manages the costs and productivity of the paint operation and provides instant access to the information required to make informed decisions on job costs, material usage, mixing efficiency, inventory, and much more.

ROCO is PPG’s exclusive software interface that integrates a repair order (RO) from a shop’s individual system with PaintManager to streamline processes and improve workflow. Using ROCO eliminates the need for shop personnel to repeatedly key in repair information. The program reads a shop’s repair order and pulls it directly into PaintManager for immediate and future reference. The shop can track all paint and materials used on an RO to make the paint technician’s job as easy as possible. The reports ROCO generates provide a more complete picture of a shop’s overall performance.

PPG’s integrated solution works seamlessly with most body shop management systems. The system has the ability to track and store critical information for both management and functional purposes, making it an ideal way for a collision center to monitor costs and productivity.

PaintManager and ROCO currently support a large number of BSMSs including A.B.W. Tracker™, Auto Claims Solutions Repair Tracker Interactive (RTI)™, CCT’s CC3, Mitchell® ABS™ Enterprise, New Era iAutoFocus™, Rome Technologies CompleteShop™, Summit™ Shop Management System, and many others with more being added on a regular basis.

PPG Refinish Adds Social Websites to its Online Presence

PPG Automotive Refinish has launched a new social media campaign, including Facebook and Collision Hub, to further engage with its customers, industry professionals and enthusiasts. I signed up with Collision Hub a few months back to engage with other industry professionals. For those of you who have not visited Collision Hub, I encourage you to go over and check out there website.

PPG has also added a Facebook page which is designed to keep readers in touch with PPG’s latest news, upcoming events, photo galleries, and interesting projects as well as to provide links to industry-related websites and articles of interest to its readers.

PPG’s John Parran, marketing director, PPG Refinish speaks about their new social media presence. “There’s no doubt that social media networking is the wave of future, so we see our growing involvement as a great way to build relationships on a more personal level and create an ongoing dialogue with those who have an interest in PPG and our industry, from shop owners, technicians and distributors to custom car and motorcycle enthusiasts”.

PPG Refinish can also be found on Collision Hub, the premier professional networking, news and event site for the collision repair industry. The members-only site encourages participation of all parties, including: technicians, collision center owners, suppliers, insurance companies, auto glass installers, towing companies and rental car agencies.

“By participating in Collision Hub, we look forward to being actively involved in this online community of professionals, dedicated to advancing the industry,” adds Parran. I personally have added PPG Refinish to my “Groups” in the Collision Hub website. After all I am a “PPG supporter”.

Readers are invited to “like” PPG Refinish on Facebook to stay updated on the latest PPG news and events, view cool photos, connect with other friends and share information. So what are you waiting for, go over to Facebook or Collision Hub and check it out for yourself!

If there is a constant in the collision repair world today, that constant is change. And shop owners and managers need to keep looking ahead to see where technology is taking the industry and then use those changes to help them succeed. So said PPG’s Randy Dewing, senior manager, MVP Business Solutions, in his opening remarks to more than 300 enthusiastic attendees at the recent PPG MVP Business Solutions Conference, held at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort and Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

Titled “Visionary Leadership: A Call to Action,” the three-day event offered speakers, seminars and discussion groups focusing on how collision shop owners and managers can enhance their leadership skills and play a visionary role in fostering a high-performance culture in the rapidly changing collision industry.

“We continue to work on interdependent success, partnering with our customers to work on business performance required to be the competitive leaders in their markets,” says Jim Berkey, director, MVP Business Solutions. “Our conferences are an opportunity to bring a strong mix of passionate, successful people together to continue the learning process.”

Keynote speaker Scott Klososky, internationally renowned thought leader and technology visionary, centered on the conference theme and emphasized that while making good technical decisions is important, acting on those decisions is absolutely essential. “Those who are reactive will end up being taught by their proactive competitors,” said Klososky. He added that a long-term vision is necessary: looking ahead five years to determine what investments will need to be made in people, products and processes. Klososky, who has the imagination of a futurist combined with practical “in the trenches” experience, discussed how technology and forward thinking can help business leaders seize their “unfair share of business.” Most critical, he pointed out, is the need to have a process in place to address change and implement your strategy for success. Klososky went on to outline a step-by-step “visionary leadership” process to help lead a company into the future.

A representative of the Disney Institute, Austin Brock, spoke on the topic of leading through turbulent times. Brock presented the strategies and tactics a leader can implement to ensure a company stays on course to success. She pointed out leaders need to have a vision and must effectively communicate it to their organization. In so doing, they need to shift the organizational culture to focus on behaviors and results to support that shift with genuinely open, two-way communication. Brock also offered process strategies for turbulent scenarios and for the difficulties caused and posed by the changing nature of competition.

Richard Flint, also a keynote speaker and regarded as one of the top personal development coaches in the country, delivered a dynamic presentation, “Recharging the Human Spirit,” in which he dramatically demonstrated how to motivate personnel, re-build morale and re-energize a company to function at its highest levels.

Norm Angrove, senior manager, Value Programs and John Martin, manager performance learning, PPG Value Added Programs, gave a seminar discussing marketing in the 21st century covering the technological and online opportunities available today and how social media and other techniques can help collision shops hasten their success. They stressed the growing importance of this aspect of marketing as new generations of employees and customers – all more tuned in to the online world – enter the marketplace.

Attendees also heard MVP Business Solutions Managers David Knapp and Mike Gunnells deliver an introduction to hands-on, problem-solving methodologies which have been successfully used at the OEM level and may be applied to the collision industry.

Conference participants were able to join in a number of breakout discussion sessions and other seminars designed to help them develop and implement improved business models as well as motivate employees and prepare for change.

“The conference was sensational,” said Nick Hindy, partner in Anthony’s Autobody, Shrewsbury, New Jersey. “The speakers provided us with a wealth of knowledge, everything from business strategies to marketing with social media and understanding what that’s all about. I feel like we were getting a complete education that can really help us.”

The conference is one component of an all-inclusive range of MVP value-added programs and services, intended to keep PPG customers positioned to face today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities. The next PPG MVP Business Solutions Conference, themed “Journey to Excellence,” will be held at the Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa in Palm Springs, California, Sunday through Tuesday, March 27-29, 2011.

PPG Trains More than 10,000 in Waterborne “Convert With Confidence” Program.

According to PPG Automotive Refinish, more than 10,000 technicians across the United States and Canada have attended the PPG “Convert with Confidence” training program to help their transition to waterborne basecoat. The development of the program was spurred in part by governmental mandates anticipated in a number of states and already in effect in California and Canada. To assist collision centers in the transition, PPG began the Convert with Confidence program in 2007 to provide shop owners, managers, and technicians with training and support before, during and after the conversions.

Collision center managers have had very positive reactions to PPG’s program. “It was an easy transition for us,” said Bruce Dennis, body shop director for ABC Nissan, Phoenix AZ. “With the training we received, it was great. Anytime you go and change a paint line everyone gets real hesitant and a little excited, but it was real easy, really seamless.”

“We have found that shops that follow the PPG Convert with Confidence approach have been extremely successful in the conversion from solvent to PPG waterborne,” said Bill Troyer, PPG Automotive Refinish manager of training. “The key to success is having a solid conversion process and PPG has created the plan that works.”

“Conversion was so simple, it was unbelievable,” said John Reilly, general manager, Gary Yeoman’s Ford Automall Body Shop, Daytona Beach, FL. “They put the system in and we started spraying the next day. No hiccups or anything.”

Low VOC basecoats will also be mandated for twelve northeastern states and the District of Columbia as early as 2012. With the focus on green processes and products, it appears it is only a matter of time until waterborne systems will be recommended throughout the country. PPG urges shop owners to use the Convert with Confidence program to help make their transition as easy as possible.

PPG conference is a massive success

Success in today’s world of collision repair is highly dependent on how well owners and managers understand the differing attitudes and preferences in play between today’s four distinct generations. That’s the view of Cam Marston, noted author and authority on multi-generational communications, speaking at the recent PPG MVP Business Solutions Conference held at San Diego’s Paradise Point Hotel. The sold-out conference, themed “Beyond Tomorrow,” drew more than 320 PPG-affiliated collision center professionals, making it the most highly attended MVP conference ever.

In his address, Marston noted that preparing for the future includes bringing out the best from employees. With four generations – known as Matures, Boomers, Xers and Millennials – now working side by side, part of that challenge is communicating and managing effectively across generational lines by treating employees as individuals. Marston defined the generations by age, Matures – 65 and older, Baby Boomers – 46 to 64, Gen Xers – 31 to 45, and Millennials – 30 and younger. He went through each generation’s characteristics, their expectations and how those qualities affect their work.

According to Marston, understanding generational differences can ease workplace frustration while increasing teamwork and productivity. For example, most Matures and Boomers put a lot of stock in their work ethic and job commitment, while for Gen Xers and Millennials, their primary identity is outside the workplace. That doesn’t mean one generation is more productive than another, it simply means each typically has its own way of doing things. Tailoring communications to reflect these distinctions is the key to success. Marston’s words resonated with his audience.

“I was very impressed,” said Sharon Wells, general manager of Collision Clinic, St. John’s NL, Canada. “We’re so busy just getting the job done, we sometimes don’t think about our workforce as individuals. His information was of paramount importance. I was with two others from my shop – we represented three different generations – and we now understand each other better.”

Attention to Social Media

Another significant difference Marston pointed out is the greater use of social media by Gen Xers and Millennials than by Matures and Boomers. His statistics show 77 percent of Millennials and 61 percent of Gen Xers maintain an Internet social media Web site profile compared to 36 percent for Matures and 46 percent for Boomers. Projections indicate these percentages will grow. This also ties in to the younger generations’ thirst for information. The topic drew plenty of attention.

“In terms of pure numbers, social media plays a big role in how we need to communicate in the future,” said Norm Angrove, senior manager, PPG Value Added Programs, who facilitated a discussion group on the topic. “There are 900 million visitors to social media sites every day. And 74 percent of that is in the United States. Twitter is growing at a 3000 percent pace. Marketing today involves the five “Cs” of social media – content, community, conversation, collaboration and connection. We can’t ignore that. Collision shops have to put their message out there using this new media.”

Selling to multi-generational customers

Marston pointed out that shop owners must recognize generational differences when selling their collision repair services: what is learned about communicating inside the collision center applies to cross-generational customers as well, especially now with social media marketing flourishing.

“Social media is already a big part of our marketing mix. It is an essential tool that will help us stay ahead,” said Sal Contreras, marketing director for Mike Rose’s Auto Body in Concord, CA. “I heard a lot of great ideas at the conference, so we plan to use the information significantly more in the future to connect with customers, insurance agents and the insurers.”

Additional speakers, seminars and breakout discussion sessions all focused on providing attendees with assistance and tools for improving their business model and preparing their center and employees for success “beyond tomorrow.” Noted industry experts, Chris Miller, senior editor of ABRN Magazine and Githesh Ramamurthy, CEO of CCC Information Services, addressed the conference on the topics of “The State of Collision Repair” and “Data and Analysis the Industry Must Understand” respectively.

PPG has introduced ColorMobile, a new convenient tool providing fast and easy Internet access to all color formulas for domestic and import vehicle colors. ColorMobile is especially designed for repairers who work away from collision centers and need access to color formulations wherever they travel. All that’s needed to use ColorMobile is a password and a mobile device with access to the Internet.

“We’re very excited to offer ColorMobile to our customers,” said Beth Ramsey, PPG global color marketing and communications manager. “It’s the ideal solution for vehicle refinishers who work on the road and otherwise would not have access to our color databases via their desktop computer. ColorMobile gives them instant 24/7 access to the information they need wherever they’re working. ColorMobile is a valuable and productive tool, and a key part of the PPG Color Retrieval System.”

Using ColorMobile, repairers are able to tap into the PPG or Nexa Autocolor Online Color websites. Color formulas are updated daily and the database contains both National Rule and compliant/waterborne system information covering all manufacturer colors including both prime and variant formulations. In addition, since ColorMobile is designed specifically for mobile repairers, it offers the ability to mix in very small amounts – as little as one ounce – as needed. To use ColorMobile, a repairer simply accesses the appropriate website URL and enters their approved password and e-mail address.

If you already have access to PPG or Nexa Autocolor Online Color Formulations and a mobile device with internet connectivity, you can enjoy many of the current features of Online Color—any time, anywhere. ColorMobile is the ideal solution for repairers who need instant access to color formulations “on the fly”. Simply log on to ColorMobile here https://buyat.ppg.com/colormobile/ppgna using your current PPG online password and username, and choose from all the latest color formulas for domestic and import car, fleet, or any type of manufacturer colors.

PPG Refinish has launched its new MVP Business Solutions website. The site can be accessed directly at www.ppgmvp.com. The new site is tailored to the needs of PPG’s collision center customers and devoted exclusively to MVP training, tools and services.

“We are excited about having a website wholly dedicated to our business solutions offerings,” said Jim Berkey, director, MVP Business Solutions. “We have a strong leadership position in the collision repair industry with our MVP programs and want to make information more easily available for our customers. With the new website, they now have 24/7/365 access to our programs and services.”

The interactive site incorporates state-of-the-art technology, is highly graphic and emphasizes a contemporary, user-friendly design.

“We wanted to make this site attractive and appealing. After all, we want people to use it and enjoy their experience, so we did our best to make it easy,” added Norm Angrove, senior manager, PPG Value Added Programs. “This site is loaded with the timely and critical information our customers want. Navigation is clear and intuitive. Customers can find out about our MVP offerings and quickly get up-to-the-minute information about training, conferences and services. For example, one of the website’s key areas is Training Solutions which encompasses four sub-sections: Throughput Performance, Leadership, Business Fundamentals and ParaKaizen – all valuable tools for business success. I encourage everyone interested in our MVP programs to visit www.ppgmvp.com and learn more.”

Visitors to the site can quickly see where training courses and other events are being offered across North America, and can register online for these events.

The new site represents the first phase of PPG’s MVP website development. Even broader access to information, people and business solutions is coming in the next stage.

For more information about MVP Business Solutions, call 440-572-6149, e-mail MVPmailbox@ppg.com, or visit www.ppgmvp.com.

See the new link added to the Blogroll here on the autobody Blog and feel free to click and view the new site.

For many years PPG has worked closely with Lamborghini to develop colors that will enhance the design of these prestigious Italian automobiles. The introduction of PPG’s matte finishes created specifically for Lamborghini is set to be the latest automotive fashion style.

Lamborghini was one of the leaders of this trend when it introduced the Black Gallardo in 2006, featuring matte-black body parts. Following this initiative, a growing number of automakers are now using matte finish to highlight particular car body details. PPG is the exclusive supplier to Lamborghini for the matte colors. Lamborghini only recommends the use of PPG products when repairing matte colors.
The exciting progression of matte colors is a direct result of the close collaboration between Lamborghini and PPG Refinish. This led to the development of PPG’s new D8113 clear matte coat, designed to create a sports car effect and to accentuate these models’ style.

“All of our matte and special color cars are hand painted. We had to find a product that would not only ensure the aesthetic quality sought by our designers, but also meet the high performance standards required. PPG supported us once again, as it has done throughout the years of our collaboration during all the development stages: from product engineering to quality tests and training program for our Customer Support points,” says Claudio Nannetti, Quality Manager at Automobili Lamborghini. “The Lamborghini/PPG partnership is extremely successful and has led to excellent results. In over twenty years, we developed many painting processes for a range of different materials, from aluminums to composites, and countless finishes, including four-coat and matte finishes. Today, we are ready for new challenges and new research projects.”

This partnership also involves Lamborghini’s global support network. Achieving the special matte effect that enhances the car’s allure requires specific repair cycles and the use of dedicated, reliable, high-performing products. To ensure that its network was able to make repairs that would maintain and reinforce the brand’s high-quality reputation, a worldwide training program, focusing on matte colors, was initiated for all body shops specializing in the repair of these prestigious automobiles. This ensures that the repairs are carried out by specialized workshops after receiving specific training through PPG’s training centers worldwide, confirming once again the exclusive nature of these models and of matte finish.

Developed by PPG technicians and approved by Lamborghini, these training sessions, focused on the matte finish repair process, are designed to expand the operators’ skills in the use of specific painting systems and to allow them to learn techniques that ensure the best final result. Special attention has been placed on the repair of Nemesis black matte paint, one of the hardest to achieve, and on matte clearcoat application and drying time. The course has been shared with all PPG training centers worldwide, creating a unique Lamborghini matte color repair network.

To reinforce its total technical support, PPG also developed a manual, approved by the Lamborghini After sales organization, dedicated to the network of body shops specializing in Lamborghini vehicles worldwide and can be accessed by the entire global repair network. This details specific products to be used in each geographical area, depending on different regulations or logistic reasons.

Automotive Refinish has announced the formation of a strategic alliance with American Honda and its new Body Shop Recognition Program. American Honda has approved the credentials of PPG’s Certified First Network and MVP Business Solutions programs as qualifying refinish supplier performance programs.

“We are pleased to form this relationship with American Honda,” said Steve Topczewski, PPG OEM business development manager. “Honda has a solid quality reputation and sets very high standards for its collision center network. Being selected to team up with them through our Certified First and MVP programs is something we can be proud of.”
American Honda will recognize dealer-owned and independent body shops in the U.S. that

1.Participate in the PPG Certified First and MVP programs
2.Adopt its OE Connection’s Collision Link software program
3. Conduct a minimum number of transactions through the Collision Link system

Collision shops meeting the above requirements will have their name, address and contact information entered in a searchable database accessible by Honda/Acura owners as well as receive a plaque noting their commitment to refinish excellence.

Qualifying PPG-affiliated collision centers must be sponsored by a Honda/Acura dealer participating in the American Honda Collision Select Program. Additionally, eligible collision centers must adopt the OE Connection CollisionLink parts ordering software as a prerequisite to the program.

The Certified First Network is PPG’s national network of performance-driven collision centers designed to help participants effectively promote and improve their business through use of effective consumer and insurance marketing tools. PPG’s MVP Business Solution program encompasses a full range of business development training and support offerings that focus on improving the quality, speed and cost of running a performance-driven collision repair business.